Veterans Report [Update] 11/22/06

First-Person, War Accounts Go Online
A selection of thirteen fully digitized collections materials submitted by war veterans debuted on the Veterans History Project War Stories last week. Veterans from World War I through the current conflict, and the civilians who supported them, are coming forward to record their personal stories and contribute personal documents for a growing archives in the American Folklife Center at the Library of Congress. Those interested in becoming involved in the Veterans History Project are encouraged to obtain a project kit from the Veterans History Project Website or by calling the toll-free message line at (888) 371-5848.

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Browse the New Classifieds on Military.com
Military.com launched a classifieds page just for the military community.
You can buy or sell items ranging from concert tickets to real estate and electronics. Search or post ads for free, nationwide, by zip code, military base or unit. Check it out.

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Military.com Holiday Gift Guide
Find the perfect gift. Send a Gift to a Soldier

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Snowsports Camps for Disabled Veterans
Disabled veterans from across the nation are encouraged to make arrangements to attend a free snowsports camp to be held March 11- 16, 2007 in Sun Valley, Idaho. The camp is open to injured veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan) and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Veterans injured in Iraq or Afghanistan who are already live in Idaho and Oregon should register for their own exclusive camp which will be held January 11 - 16, 2007. Those interested can download a flyer at http://www.svasp.org or call 208-726-9298. For more information on the 2007 Colorado clinic that will be held April 1 through April 6, 2007, visit http://www1.va.gov/opa/speceven.

PSA: Move America Forward Halp Us Jon Carry T-Shirt

It's the t-shirt that features the picture seen around the world:
"Halp Us Jon Carry We R Stuck Hear N IraK."

All proceeds are used to support Move America Forward's pro-troop activities, so not only do you get a great shirt, but you also help get this message seen by more Americans, your order helps serve a worthy cause.
The shirts are a top quality, heavy duty 100% preshrunk cotton.

You can get your own "Halp Us Jon Carry" t-shirt here.

Military Report

Sign the Veterans’ Bill of Rights
Throughout American history our military has provided for the national defense and preserved our way of life. The American military is made up of patriots united by a legacy of selfless service and sacrifice.

The Veterans' Bill of Rights, authored by Military.com, outlines what veterans have earned from their government and, more so, what they should expect from each other. Don’t wait. Sign the Veterans' Bill of Rights today. Your signature represents your commitment to those who have served the nation. Veterans unite. Sign the Veterans’ Bill of Rights now.

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Celebrating America's Freedoms
Celebrating America's Freedoms is a collection of stories about some of America's most beloved customs and national symbols. Topics include the history of "Taps," the Pledge of Allegiance, gun salutes, the correct method for displaying and folding the American flag and many more. Educators, students and others should find this collection informative and helpful when researching or planning activities for national observances such as Memorial Day, Veterans Day and Flag Day. To access the collection, visit the Celebrating America's Freedom's Webpage. The History of the Purple Heart Award
It is one of the most recognized and respected medals awarded to members of the U.S. armed forces. Introduced as the “Badge of Military Merit” by General George Washington on August 7, 1782 at his headquarters in Newburgh, New York, the Purple Heart is also the nation's oldest military award.

Newburgh, New York is my home town and as a boy I visited
Washington's Headquarters many times.
_,,,^._.^,,,_
You were probably on the edge of your chair waiting for this bit of information.

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Veteran's Day E-Cards
The American Legion has again launched their e-mail greeting card program to thank deployed servicemembers and veterans of all generations. Anyone who has an e-mail address can receive the special cards. Creating the card is quick and easy at The American Legion's website, http://www.e-cards.com/catalog/cat-selection.pl?group=AmLegion&db=AmLegion&cat=Veterans%20Day. The American Legion site offers e-mail cards representing each military service. The cards also include the service's song, which plays when the card is opened. Each card provides plenty of space to compose a personal message. Cards may be sent now through Nov. 12, 2006. Greeting cards may be sent direct to active duty service men and women through their military e-mail addresses.

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Legendary USS Wahoo Wrechage Found
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (Oct 31, 2006) – For more than six decades her whereabouts have remained a mystery; her story one of submarine legend – her crew on “Eternal Patrol.”

Yet, after an extensive review of evidence, the last chapters are being written as the Commander, U.S. Pacific Fleet declared today that the sunken submarine recently discovered by divers in the Western Pacific is, indeed, the World War II submarine USS Wahoo (SS 238).
- one of the greatest fighting submarines in the history of the U.S. Navy."
Navy Confirms Wreck is Wahoo Press Release

Wahoo Gazette

Awesome Rock On Hwy.25 in rural Iowa

I'm told that there is a huge rock near a gravel pit on Hwy.25 in rural Iowa. For generations, kids have painted slogans, names, and obscenities on this rock, changing its character many times. A few months back, the rock received its latest paint job, and since then it has been left completely undisturbed. It's quite an impressive sight. Be sure to scroll down and check out the multiple photos (all angles) of the rock. I thought the flag was draped over the rock, but it's not. It's actually painted on the rock too. Click Photos To Enlarge.

Artist Ray "Bubba" Sorensen.
AWESOME Work, RAY...Thank you!